Preserving Petals

Nov 15

In this article, I’m sharing:

why this time of year is great for gifting flowers,
a few of my favorite flower vendors,
and my best tips on preserving petals.

Flowers fix it all

Flowers naturally carry a high vibration.

They are used to celebrate, honor, remember, heal, and beautify. We customarily send flowers for any occasion: births, deaths, marriages, birthdays, to show affection, to say “I love you,” even to apologize.

Somehow, flowers are always appropriate.

Well Wishes

This time of year can be especially difficult for people for many reasons - emotionally and physiologically.

After time changes in the fall, people are generally indoors more, exposed to less sunlight / vitamin D, and may even be less social.

Flowers can support people in times of depression and may be an excellent ally to:

uplift against SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder),
comfort in times of grief,
and be a reminder of the beauty of life.

If you know someone who is grieving, experienced trauma, or who is lonely, flowers might be good medicine for their soul.

Get Growing

Growing flowers has proven to boost health and reduce stress.

Even deep into fall, nasturtiums, camellias, marigolds, and pineapple sage are bringing bold color to my yard.

To purchase flower seeds:

Seed Savers Exchange (for incredible heirloom varieties)

Grow organic

Find a Florist

If growing isn’t your thing, find a local grower or florist to enjoy in-season flowers.

Local to Greenville, SC:

Check out this directory for buying flowers in the upstate

National florists are an option, as well.

drying flowers

Don’t toss the bouquet!

I love having fresh flowers in my home, but like so many beautiful things, flowers don’t last as long as I would love them to.

Drying flowers is an easy way to extend their beauty, allowing for the enjoyment of flowers year-round. It’s a sweet gift to see soft petals in the cold of winter - a welcome reminder of the coming spring.

Two Methods for Drying Flowers:

Instead of throwing out your next bouquet:

bundle the flowers with twine while they still look fresh and vibrant. Hang them upside down in a dry, dark area to preserve their color. The color will fade dramatically in light. They should be completely dry within 3 weeks time.
OR
place each flower on a baking sheet making sure that none of the flowers are touching. Bake at 175° for 1-2 hours depending on the flowers. Turn them midway and remove them from the oven if they begin to shrivel or get too dry.

With either method, ensure the flowers are completely dry. If there is any remaining moisture, they could mold.

To hold the look: Spray the flowers with hairspray to help them hold their shape.